Rossett School: A Turnaround Success Story

Recent years have been transformative for Rossett School. Following a period of challenge, the school joined the Red Kite Learning Trust in September 2023 and has rapidly re-established itself as a pillar of the Harrogate educational landscape. This trajectory was validated in April 2025 when Ofsted rated the school Good in all areas, praising the "happy, welcoming and inclusive" environment. Under the leadership of Headteacher Tim Milburn, himself a former student, the school has stabilised and now looks forward with renewed confidence.

The campus on Green Lane has a functional, 1970s feel, softened by extensive playing fields and its proximity to the Pinewoods. While it lacks the stone-built heritage of some Harrogate neighbours, the atmosphere inside is what counts; inspectors recently noted that corridors are calm and classrooms purposeful.

The motto Success for Everyone drives the ethos. This is a comprehensive in the truest sense, welcoming a diverse ability range in a town often dominated by selective or highly competitive options. The integration into the Red Kite Learning Trust—which also includes neighbouring Harrogate Grammar—has brought significant investment and shared expertise, evident in the sharper focus on behaviour and curriculum structure.

The school's academic recovery is evident in the data. In 2024, the average Attainment 8 score was 47.3, placing it above the England average of 45.9.

The school ranks 1,546th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 6th in Harrogate. This performance sits in the national typical band, outperforming roughly two-thirds of schools in England (top 33%). The Progress 8 score of +0.03 indicates that students make steady progress from their starting points, aligning with national expectations.

At A-level, the school ranks 1,508th in England. While 38% of grades were A*-B—below the England average of 47%—the Sixth Form remains a popular destination, with Ofsted rating the provision Good and noting the high retention of students from Year 11.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Key Stage 3 students study the full range of subjects, including drama, music, and food technology, without early narrowing. Teachers are subject specialists who use assessment effectively to check understanding; the 2025 inspection highlighted their strong subject knowledge as a key factor in students' progress.

In the Sixth Form, the offer expands to over 25 courses. Students can combine traditional A-levels like Chemistry and English Literature with vocational qualifications such as BTEC Sport, a flexibility that suits the school's diverse intake.

Pathways are varied. In 2024, 37% of leavers progressed to university, while a significant 33% entered employment directly, a figure well above the local average.

The careers programme is robust, leveraging local business links to support the 6% of students who secure apprenticeships. For those aiming for higher education, the Sixth Form team provides dedicated support for UCAS applications, with recent leavers securing places at universities including Leeds, Newcastle, and York.

Admissions are coordinated by North Yorkshire Council. As a comprehensive academy, Rossett does not use entrance exams.

The application deadline for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is 31 October 2025. Historically, the school has been oversubscribed, receiving 493 applications for the reported year, though recent capacity changes mean places have been available.

Places are allocated based on distance from the school gate, after priority groups such as looked-after children and siblings. There is no fixed catchment area; the "last distance offered" fluctuates annually based on the applicant cohort.

The "Rossett Way" behaviour curriculum, introduced under the new leadership, has reset expectations. Routines are clear, and inspectors confirmed that pupils now "flourish in this calm and orderly learning environment."

Pastoral support is organised by Year Groups, with non-teaching Year Achievement Leaders available to address issues immediately. The school also hosts a "LGBTQ+ Drop In" and trains student "Peer Listeners" to support younger pupils, reinforcing the inclusive culture.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and specific. The "Rossett Arts" programme is a standout, featuring a Jazz Orchestra that tours regularly and a well-attended Concert Band.

Clubs cater to diverse interests. On any given day, students might attend the Harry Potter Club, the REP Debate Club, or the Young Enterprise group.

Sport is a major pillar, supported by the on-site Sports Centre and 3G pitch. Football and netball teams compete locally, and the school runs a popular "Sports Leaders" qualification for older students.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents should budget for uniform, optional music tuition, and school trips.

The school day begins at 8.50am and finishes at 3.10pm. A breakfast club runs from 8.00am. Dedicated school buses serve Wetherby, Knaresborough, and North Leeds, making the school accessible from a wide radius.

Recovery is recent. The "Good" rating was awarded in April 2025. While the school has clearly turned a corner, families joining now are part of the consolidation phase of this improvement journey.

Competition. Harrogate is an area with several high-performing schools. Rossett's inclusive ethos is a strength, but families focused purely on league table rankings may find the local grammar or faith schools statistically higher-performing.

Mixed Sixth Form. The Sixth Form is part of the school but operates in a competitive local market. Students seeking a very large collegiate environment might prefer the larger associated sixth forms nearby, though Rossett offers a more personal, school-style setting.

Rossett School has successfully navigated its turnaround. With a fresh "Good" rating, stable leadership under the Red Kite Learning Trust, and a clear vision, it offers a nurturing and increasingly rigorous education. Best suited to families who value inclusivity and community alongside academic progress, and who want a school that is firmly on the rise.